Situations where writing is NOT appropriate

There are some situations in life in which writing has no place and where it is essential for you to SPEAK the words you have to say.

Not long ago, a couple we know well had a baby. They chose to tell us and many of their other friends via text message. While we were completely thrilled for them, we felt that the moment of such news had been tarnished a little by the impersonality of the method they'd chosen with which to tell us.

It made me stop and think about the extent to which our society has come to rely upon the devices we possess to communicate. I have come to the decision that there are some situations in which the written word should never be employed.

For instance:

* to ask your girlfriend's father for her hand in marriage (especially not in a text message)
* to inform your boyfriend, girlfriend, husband or wife that you want to break up (using the status change on Facebook is a particular no-no)
* to ask your boss for a raise
* to tell your boss you quit
* to wish your mother a happy birthday via email - pick up the phone at least (even if you have sent a card)!
* to apologise to your mother for forgetting her birthday
* and, finally, to announce the birth of a child to family and close friends

What all of these situations have in common is that they are highly emotive exchanges of communication, some of which will take you quite a bit of courage. Live your life through these situations and don't retreat behind a mobile phone or computer screen. When you think about it, do you really want to miss the devastation on your boss' face when you tell him or her that you have been head-hunted by a rival company? What about the joy in a close friend's voice when you ring to tell him or her of the birth of your child?

While we are writing so much more in our everyday business and personal lives, often due to the fact that we are time-poor, take a moment to enjoy opportunities for human interaction that only the spoken word can bring.

http://www.wordwriteforsuccess.com.au/